Hull City manager Steve Bruce has confirmed that his side are close to signing Tottenham captain Michael Dawson before the next week's transfer deadline.

The Manchester United legend, fresh from seeing his side claim a hard-fought home draw against Stoke, was discussing any impending arrivals this week with the closing of the transfer window looming large in the windows of Premier League bosses.

“We're close to one in particular and we hope we can get that over the line," said Bruce.

"Michael Dawson we hope we can get, there's a deal in place in principle anyway. Hopefully, touch wood, we'll see what develops.

"I thought I had Jordan Rhodes 24 hours ago and it seems to be further away than ever. We've been negotiating for a week.

"We'll see what this week brings and hopefully bring in the two or three we need to give the squad a hand, because we've already played five competitive games (due to their Europa League involvement)."

The ex Wigan and Sunderland boss is set to strengthen his back line, barring any spanners in the works, by heading back to Tottenham for another England international.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)